Latest Falcon Twinjets Point To Future Efficiency Improvements

Dassault Aviation comes to this year’s Paris Air Show with two newly certified business jets: the large-cabin Falcon 2000S and Falcon 2000LXS. Both received EASA and FAA approvals in March. The first Falcon 2000S was delivered in April to a Turkish customer. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half for the 2000LXS, when it replaces the 2000LX.

The Falcon 2000S is Dassault’s entry-level jet, with a 3,350 nm range, whereas its leggier sibling offers 4,000 nm. Both benefit from wing improvements–inboard slats and winglets–that cut landing and takeoff distances, as well as fuel burn. The two-year-long flight-test campaign for the two new models demonstrated short-field and low-speed performance “substantially better than targeted figures,” Dassault pointed out. Both are planned to be certified to operate at the UK’s London City Airport, with its steep approaches.

Both aircraft have been certified with the EASy II flight deck. The improved cockpit, which has already been flying on the Falcon 900LX, was certified in March on the Falcon 7X.

In the cabin, the two new iterations of the Falcon 2000 feature the FalconCabin HD+ entertainment system. A major difference lies in the interior layout; while the 2000LXS is, as with most business jets, customizable, the 2000S is only available in a fixed-configuration cabin designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This translates into a reduced price tag, which Dassault claims is closer to the super midsize segment of the private jet market.

Both aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C turbofans. The Falcon 2000S was introduced in 2011 and the Falcon 2000LXS last year.